ICONIC pie and pastry business, Bells Food Group, is sticking to its family values with a senior team shake-up designed to generate further growth.

Three promotions have been made to the board, including third-generation family members David Bell and Samantha Murray.

Logistics director Bell and finance director Murray are to be joined by sales and marketing director Gordon Smith on the board.

Debbie Briody has also been appointed as the company’s new group operations director after leaving Highland Spring.

Bells, established in 1931 by Donald Bell, now employs more than 220 people across sites in Shotts and Lanarkshire. The business sold 33 million pies last year and generated an annual turnover of £18.5m.

The new appointments come as part of a wider plan build on the company’s success, as Bells aims to increase turnover and drive growth.

Managing director, Ronnie Miles believes the senior team reshuffle can help the company reach new heights.

He said: “We are delighted with our new senior appointments and they signify a real step change for the business, as we build capacity and expertise at a senior level to continue our ambitious expansion and innovation plans.

“Appointing two members of the Bell family to the corporate Board is an absolute honour.

“Both David and Samantha will help shape and secure the success of the business for this and future generations.

“Gordon and Debbie bring a wealth of experience to the company and will help us grow and develop the business even further.”

David Bell has worked in the family business for 36 years and started his rise to the senior management team from modest beginnings.

Helping out during school holidays, he became a member of the van delivery team in 1982.

The logistics director will now be carrying on the traditions of his grandfather as a member of the board.

Samantha Murray began her career in financial recruitment but was soon drawn to the family business.

In 2018, 11 years after joining the company and working in a variety of roles, she has been appointed as finance director.

She too has followed in the footsteps of her family members. Her grandfather and father even held the same position as her, both having served as finance director during their time with the company.

Gordon Smith, meanwhile, has been appointed sales and marketing director as a reward for his role in developing the Bells Food Group brand since 2015.

He has more than 20 years of experience in the food and drink industry in sales, consumer marketing and senior commercial roles.

Debbie Briody, a chartered chemical engineer with 25-years of experience in manufacturing primarily in the drinks industry, will complete the new-look senior team.